AK international - Interviewsection

"Getting a doctorate is much better than getting an Oscar"

Akshay Kumar was a very surprised man when he came to know of his honourary doctorate.

The 40-year old actor landed in Toronto, Canada, to receive to his honourary doctorate degree from 'Assumption University', which is scheduled to be held on Friday at a special ceremony in Windsor on the US-Canada border.

While staying with businessman Ajay Virmani, President of Cargojet, who nominated Akshay for the degree, Ajit Jain caught up with the very jetlagged star (Akshay flew directly from Bangkok where he is currently shooting his latest film "Singh is Kinng") for this exclusive 75-minute interview.

Akshay was all smiles as he chatted in Punjabi and English. Excerpts from a conversation:

So, how do you feel about this prestigious recognition?

Akshay: It is an honour to get something this big. It is very close to my heart. For me getting a doctorate is much better than getting an Oscar. I am getting a doctorate without doing my Masters.

How did it all happen?

Akshay: To be honest, it came as a surprise to me. AJ (Ajay Virmani, whom he literally calls Dad) told me about the nomination and asked me if I could come to accept the award. I am an Indian citizen but I have a permanent Canadian visa.

Since when?

Akshay: Ten years now.

How come?

Akshay: My father Hari Om Bhatia came here from Amritsar a long time back. Both of us enjoyed the new place and I decided to apply for a landed visa. By the way, my mother is from Kashmir.

The President of the University, Dr Paul Rennick called you the 'star of the century' from India...

Akshay: AJ and I are involved in a lot of charity work. Three years ago we raised half a million dollars for Trillium Health Center. But I never imagined that our charitable work and my film career would induce the University to bestow me with this honour. It all happened so suddenly.

Are you involved in charitable work in India too?

Akshay: I am involved in a lot of such things. My sister and I are looking after the 'special Olympics'. I have also teamed up with a Hollywood star to create AIDS awareness.

You were quoted as saying that the movie business is heartless...

Akshay: None of my forefathers come from this background. So I was thinking how do I learn acting. I did not have money to go to an acting school. I remember the time when I had just Rs 150 in my pocket. I saw this book titled How To Learn Acting. It was priced at Rs 225. I read just the first page where it said that 'if you want to become an actor, be a good human being'. That's how I came to know what acting is all about.

Whatever you are, it reflects on your character that you play in the movie. I never went to acting school, I didn't get a diploma. So whatever I know it is all from my personal experiences.

Do you consider yourself a good person?

Akshay: I try my level best to do whatever I can. I wouldn't say that I haven't hurt people. But I can assure you that I haven't done so knowingly.

You also said that if you falter once, you are out...

Akshay: When I said falter I meant you have to be a good person. These would also include your punctuality, helping producers out, as these small things count. If you don't do that, then they can be heartless and throw you out. That's what I meant.

Any disappointments in your career?

Akshay: I have had lots of ups and downs in my life but I consider myself lucky to be still here. There was a time when I had eight-nine flops together and still, producers wanted to sign me up for their films. I was always the helpful kind. My biggest strength as an actor is punctuality. So it always helped get more work all the time even after delivering flops. That's how I have been surviving. God has been kind to me.

In your forthcoming movie Singh is Kinng, will you be wearing turban?

Akshay: Yes, throughout the film.

Could you tell us more about the movie?

Akshay: I play a character from a very poor family in Ludhiana, Punjab. But even though he is poor, he has a positive attitude towards life. So he may be poor but his attitude is that of a king. Hence, Singh is Kinng.

Does the film have a social aspect?

Akshay: Yes and there's entertainment also. You don't spend Rs 250 to get lectured to.

Is it like Robin Hood?

Akshay: Yes, Singh is like Robin Hood.

Last year you had four releases and this year you're working round the clock. How do you do what you do?

Akshay: I have my Sundays off unless I am receiving an award from a Canadian University.

Earlier, I used to work for money. As the time went by, I started enjoying my work. Now it is no more about how much you have to make. Money has become secondary. Now I go for the roles.

You say money is not important but still you're amongst the top earners in the business making close to $10 million per movie.

Akshay: If my producers and distributors think I am worth that much, why shouldn't I take the money? I would be foolish not to do so. Nobody is doing me a favour by giving me that kind of money. I am not doing them a favour either. My colleagues are also charging the same amount of money. And they deserve it too.

What is the secret behind your success?

Akshay: I am punctual and I try to help the producers and distributors as best as I can. They like it and despite some flops, I keep getting more work.

Tell us something about your forthcoming movie, Chandni Chowk to China.

Akshay: Actually, the film's outline is like my autobiography. I was born in Chandni Chowk in Delhi. My 87-year old grandmother still stays in Parathewali Galli. I go there as I have lots of friends still living in and around Chandni Chowk. When there is a shooting in Delhi, I always get my food from there.

While making the film, I talked about my life and how I started from working as a waiter, a cook and a martial arts teacher. That's why the director (Nikhil Advani) put Chandni Chowk in the title as well as some parts of my life in the story.

But why China?

Akshay: I learnt martial arts in Bangkok but the director decided it should be China. We started shooting in China, but due to the cold weather, we moved to Bangkok. That turned out really well, as I had learnt martial arts in Bangkok.

Does the film have a message?

Akshay: The main point of the film is to believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself, you can achieve whatever you want.

Do practice what you preach?

Akshay: Yes. I learnt from my father that you have to believe in yourself. Also, believing in God gives you confidence. During the last four-five years, I have been making films with some kind of message.

Any message for your fans?

Akshay: Yes. Take care of your parents. If you want success in your life, you must take care of your parents. If you are able to take care of them, God will bless you with everything. I have gone through it personally.

I also believe that luck follows hard work. The harder I work the luckier I get. Don't be afraid to work hard and luck will follow you. That's my advice.

Courtesy: Rediff

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